Musical chairs game

ABSTRACT

Apparatus for playing the game of musical chairs comprising a playing board defining a path and a number of playing members movable in unison along said path. A number of recipient members simulating chairs are located upon the board in positions adjacent to the path and as the playing members are moved along the path to predetermined positions relative to the recipient members they are removed from the path and placed upon the recipient members. Movement of the playing members is determined by dice, which are manipulated or tossed in the playing of the game. One die contains numerical indications, e.g., representations of numbers from one to six, and the second die contains two different discrete indicia, e.g., red and green dots. So long as a green dot appears on the second die, the playing members are moved in accordance with the number appearing on the one die. After a red dot appears, only the die containing numbers is tossed and thereafter playing members are placed upon recipient members as they become aligned therewith. The number of playing members is greater by one than the number of recipient members, and when all the recipient members have been filled, the one remaining playing member is removed from play. Subsequently, one recipient member is removed and the remaining playing members are replaced upon the path and playing continues until all but one of the playing members have been removed in the manner described.

United States Patent [191 Glassman MUSICAL CHAIRS GAME [76] lnventor: Stanley H. Glassman, 41 Harvest Ln., Commack, NY.

[22] Filed: Sept. 3, 1971 [21] Appl. No.: 177,620

[52] US. Cl.273/l34 AE, 273/134 AD, 273/134 G,

273/ 136 R [51] Int. Cl. A63f 3/00 [58] Field of Search 273/134 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,413,481 4/1922 LaBorie 273/134 C A UX Primary Examiner-Delbert B. Lowe Att0rneyAlfred Musumeci [57] ABSTRACT Apparatus for playing the game of musical chairs comprising a playing board defining a path and a number of playing members movable in unison along said path. A number of recipient members simulating chairs are located upon the board in positions adja- [4 Oct. 16, 1973 cent to the path and as the playing members are moved along the path to predetermined positions relative to the recipient members they are removed from the path and placed upon the recipient members. Movement of the playing members is determined by dice, which are manipulated or tossed in the playing of the game. One die contains numerical indications, e.g., representations of numbers from one to six, and the second die contains two different discrete indicia, e.g., red and green dots. So long as a green dot appears on the second die, the playing members are moved in accordance with the number appearing on the one die. After a red dot appears, only the die con- 7 taining numbers is tossed and thereafter playing members are placed upon recipient members as they become aligned therewith. The number of playing members is greater by one than the number of recipient members, and when all the recipient members have been filled, the one remaining playing member is removed from play. Subsequently, one recipient member is removed and the remaining playing members are replaced upon the path and playing continues until all but one of the playing members have been removed in the manner described.

14 Claims, 8 Drawing Figures Patented Oct. 16, 1973 INVENTOR STANLEY H. GLASSMAN ATTORNEY MUSICAL CHAIRS GAME BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to game apparatus, and more particularly to a game kit simulating musical chairs.

Creation of novel apparatus for games involves several necessary but somewhat diverse accomplishments. A primary factor determining the value and merit of the game relates to whether there has been created an item which will achieve commercial acceptance and success. One important aspect of such success depends upon the creative quality of the game, which must attract and interest prospective purchasers and players thereof. Such attractiveness is produced when the game is cleverly and imaginatively conceived and orginated.

A further important aspect of the game apparatus relates to the physical or functional structure utilized,

and to the configuration thereof. Since games relate to a consumer item which must be relatively low in price, fabrication must entail as simple and economical a process as possible so that the game may be inexpensively manufactured and competitively priced.

Accordingly, it will be seen that game apparatus which is both imaginatively conceived to provide a diversion of interest and appeal to players, while at the same time being simple in its structure and configuration, making the apparatus inexpensive and economical to produce, will provide a significant and valuable forward step in the art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Briefly, the present invention may be described as a game apparatus and method, said apparatus comprising a playing board defining a path, a number of recipient members removably placeable upon said board relative to said path, a number of playing members movable along said path to specific positions relative to said recipient members, indicator means manipulable during playing of said game to provide indications determining movement of said playing members, means for permitting placement of said playing members upon said recipient members when a predetermined relative position therebetween is reached, and means including said indicator means for continuing play until all of said recipient members are occupied by a playing member.

In the method of the present invention one more playing member than recipient members is provided upon the board and when, during playing of the game, all of the recipient members have been occupied by a playing member, the playing member remaining in the path is removed from play. Subsequently, the remaining playing members are once again placed upon the path, one of the recipient members is removed from play, and the game proceeds with one less of each member with play continuing in this fashion until only one playing member and one recipient member remain.

The indicator means of the invention may conveniently comprise a pair of manipulable cubes or dice, with the first of said cubes being configured to provide either one of two different discrete indications, e.g., either a red indication or a green indication, and with the second of said cubes having thereupon indicia comprising a continuous series of numerical values, e.g., numbers from one to six. The game is played by casting the 0 second cube. When a red indication occurs on the first cube, the playing members are moved in accordance with the numerical value on the second cube, but thenceforth only the second cube is tossed and whenever, subsequent to appearance of a red indication, a predetermined relative position is achieved between a playing member and a recipient member, the playing member is removed from its path and placed upon the recipient member. The second cube continues to be tossed alone, and the playing members remaining upon the path continue to be moved accordingly, until all but one of the playing members have been placed upon a recipient member. Thereupon, the one remaining playing member is removed from play. Subsequently, all the playing members are returned from the recipient members to the path, and one recipient member is removed, thereby again providing upon the board one more playing member than recipient members. The game commences anew with both cubes being cast and proceeds as previously described until only one playing member and one recipient member remain.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS A better understanding of the present invention will be had by reference to the following detailed description thereof taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a view in perspective of the game apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a sectional elevation taken along the line 2-2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a sectional elevation taken along the line 33 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a view in perspective showing one of the recipient members of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a view in perspective showing an alternative structure for the recipient member of the present invention;

FIGS. 6 and 7 are views in perspective showing the indicator means in the form of a pair of cubes which are cast in the playing of the game of the invention; and

FIG. 8 is a plan view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 showing the position of the elements, including the cubes of FIGS. 6 and 7 while a game is in progress.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now in detail to the drawing, the present invention is shown as comprising a playing board 10, a plurality of recipient members 12, and a plurality of playing members 14. The device shown comprises five recipient members 12 and six playing members 14, there being in play always one more playing member than recipient members upon the board).

Each of the playing members 14 is preferably removably insertable into a base member 16 having a cavity 18 formed therein which is shaped and sized to hold the playing member 14. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the

playing members 14 together with the base members 16 are aligned in a continuous train with each of the base members 16 attached to an adjacent base member 16 by connection means 20, which may be an ordinary hook-and-eye arrangement, as shown in the drawing, or any other appropriate device, such as magnetic interconnecting means, enabling removable interconnection of the base members 16. In an alternative embodiment, the base members could be irremovably joined together.

The playing members 14 may be fancifully configured in any desired manner, and as shown in the drawing include a fanciful headpiece 22.

The recipient members 12 shown in FIGS. 1-4 comprise a basically cubical configuration having a cavity 24 sized and shaped to receive and hold the playing member 14 in much the same manner as the cavity 18 of the base member 16.

The board is comprised of a flat planar base member 26 having mounted thereupon a pair of shaped superimposed members 28 and 30. The members 28 and 30 basically comprise an upper layer of material applied to te base member 26 and adhered thereto either by glue or other appropriate attachment means. Because of the particular configuration of the superimposed members 28 and 30, there are defined upon the game board 10 a central rectangular cavity 32 within which there may be placed the recipient members 12, and an oblong cavity defining a track or path 34 along which the playing members 14 may be moved upon the base members 16. It will be clear that the path 34 will be defined between a continuous internal oblong edge 36 of the superimposed member 28 and a complementary continuous oblong edge 38 of the superimposed member 30, with the edge 38 being radially internally spaced from the edge 36. Thus, by adhering the members 28 and 30 to the base 26 of the board 10, there is provided a simple and inexpensive construction which may be readily manufactured and which will provide apparatus upon which the game of the present invention may be conveniently played.

The apparatus of the present invention further includes indicator means, preferably embodied in a pair of dice or cubes shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, there being one cube 40 having each of its six sides marked with colored indicia, and a second cube 42 whose six sides are marked with the conventional numerical value designations for numerals one through six. More specifically, the cube 40 has two of its sides each marked with a red disc 44 and the remaining four sides each marked with a green disc 46.

The game of the invention is commenced by first placing upon the board 10 a specific number of recipient members 12 and a number of playing members 14, with the number of playing members 14 so placed being greater by one than the number of recipient members 12. As shown in FIG. 1, the recipient members 12 are placed within the central rectangular cavity 32 while the playing members 14 are placed in aligned fashion within the path 34. Each of the base members 16 of the playing members 14 located within the path 34 are hooked together by the connection means 20 and may be moved within the track 34 in unison. As best shown in FIG. 8, the base members 16 are arranged with two of their opposing sides 50 and 52 having oppositely curved configurations, thereby to facilitate movement of the base members 16 through and around the curved ends of the path 34.

In the preferred embodiment described herein, the game is shown as comprising five recipient members 12 and six playing members 14, but it should be understood more or less of each of such members may be employed.

In order to commence playing of the game, a player first casts both of the cubes 40 and 42 to determine the number of spaces which the train of playing members 14 should be moved within the path 34.

As best shown in FIGS. 1 and 8, the board 10 is marked with a plurality of spaces numbered 8, through S The space S, is designated Start" and when the game is first commenced the leading playing member 14 of the train of such playing members 14 is positioned within the path 34 at the Start space designated 5,.

Assuming that the cube 40 when rolled shows a green disc 46, then the playing members 14 are moved within the path 34 a number of spaces equivalent to the number shown on the cube 42. Thus, if when both cubes are cast, the cube 40 shows a green disc and cube 42 shows the number three, the playing members 14 are all moved in unison three spaces, i.e. with the first or leading playing member 14 of the train being moved from the Start space S to the space S. and with the other playing members 14 following accordingly.

The cubes 40 and 42 are again cast, and so long as the cube 40 continues to show a green disc 46 the train of playing pieces 14 will continue to be moved in unison a number of spaces equivalent to the number shown on the cube 42. Casting of the cubes may thus continue by each player in order.

When, however, a red disc appears upon the cube 40, then a different series of plays commences. First the playing pieces 14 are moved in unison a number of spaces equivalent to the number shown on the cube 42, appearing simultaneously with the appearance of a red disc on cube 40. However, after this has been accomplished, each of the playing members 14 which is alongside a recipient member 12 must be removed from the path 34 and placed upon the corresponding recipient member 12. The game continues with only the cube 42 alone being tossed and with the playing members 14 which remain in the path 34 being moved accordingly, until all of the recipient members 12 are occupied and only one playing member 14 remains in path 34.

With the occurrence of a red disc upon the cube 40, placement of a playing member 14 to within a recipient member 12 would occur for any playing member which was stopped alongside either of the spaces 8; through S or S through S Any of the playing members which are stopped in the spaces S through S, or S through S would remain within the path 34 andwould not be placed to occupy a recipient member 12 until, after movement commensurate with the casting of the cube 42, they were stopped alongside the appropriate spaces.

Thus, after occurrence of a red disc upon the cube 40, the cube 42 continues to be rolled alone and the playing members 14 continue to be moved a number of spaces equivalent to the number shown on the cube 42. When a playing member 14 is stopped opposite a recipient member 12, the playing member 14 thus stopped is removed from the path and placed to within the recipient member 12. The game continues in this fashion with the players rolling only the cube 42 until all but one of the playing members 14 has been placed to within a recipient member 12. The one player that is left within the path 34 is removed from play.

At this point, all of the playing members 14 which have been placed within a recipient member 12 are returned to the path 34 by placement of each within a base member 16 and the game continues with one less playing member 14. Furthermore, one of the recipient members 12 is removed from the board together with one of the base members 16.

Thus, with the playing members 14 returned from the recipient members 12 to the base members 16, the game will proceed with four recipient members 12 and five playing members 14 remaining.

At this point, both of the cubes 40 and 42 are once again rolled and so long as the cube 40 shows a green disc 46, the game continues with the train of playing members 14 being continuously moved about the board in the path 34 a number of spaces equivalent to the number shown on the cube 42. When a red disc 44 again appears upon the cube 40, the process previously described is repeated until only four playing members 14 and three recipient members 12 remain.

The process is repeated in the manner described until only one of the playing members 14 and one of the recipient members 12 are left upon the board 10. At this point, the game is over and the remaining player is declared winner.

It will be apparent that the recipient members 12 constitute chairs in a game of musical chairs. In FIG. 5 there is shown an alternative embodiment for the recipient member 12 of the FIG. 4. In the embodiment of FIG. 5 a recipient member 12a is shown which is configured to more closely simulate a chair in that it includes the upright member 54 representing the backrest of a chair. It will be apparent that the recipient member 12a is similar to the recipient member 12 except for the addition of the upright member 54, and also comprises a cavity 24a identical with the cavity 24 and useful in a similar manner to contain the playing member 14.

Furthermore, it will be apparent that the connection means 20, which comprise the hook-and-eye arrangement shown best in FIG. 3, enable the base members 16 to be easily attached to and disconnected from each other. Thus, during the playing of the game, as one of the playing members 14 is removed from play, the base member 16 associated with that playing member 14 may be removed from the board by disattaching the connection means 20.

FIG. 8 shows the apparatus of the present invention during the playing of a game of musical chairs. As shown, the arrangement in FIG. 8 includes the recipient members 12a having the upstanding portions 54. In the condition shown, the two recipient members 12a at the rightmost end of the board, i.e. the one aligned between the spaces S -S and the one aligned between the spaces 8,, S have had a playing member 14 placed therein. The three recipient members 12a at the left of the board remain empty. With the board in this condition, it will, of course, be assumed that a red disc has appeared upon cube 40, and that as a result of moving the playing members 14 around the path 34, the indicated two playing members 14 were stopped alongside the appropriate spaces and were placed within the indicated recipient members 12a.

Furthermore, it should be assumed that, at a subsequent roll of the cube 42 alone, the train of playing members 14 has been moved to the position shown in FIG. 8. With the train in this position the endmost playing member 14 will be located alongside the space S As a result this playing member 14 must be moved into the adjacent recipient member 12a as indicated by the arrow 56. Subsequently, of course, the game continues until all the recipient members 12a are similarly occupied.

It will be apparent from the foregoing that there has been provided a game apparatus embodying the game of musical chairs, which apparatus is interestingly conceived and advantageously structured. The game may be played with ease and it may be readily understood and enjoyed by children as well as adults. The structure of the apparatus of the game is such that it may be easily and conveniently manufactured, without involving complex methods or parts thereby enhancing the economic advantage of the game. The game may be sold at a price which, considering the interest and player appeal generated by the game, will be quite attractive and conducive to economic success.

Although the present invention has been described by reference to a particular structural embodiment thereof, it will be understood that many variations and modifications may be effected by those skilled in the art without departure from the scope and purview of the invention.

I claim:

1. Game apparatus comprising:

a playing board having thereon means defining a path and means defining discrete steps within said path;

a number of recipient members removably placeable upon said board;

a number of playing members greater than the number of said recipient members, said playing members being movable along said path relative to said recipient members; and

indicator means manipulable during playing of a game to provide indications by chance in accordance with which said playing members may be moved along said path in the playing of said game, said indicator means including a pair of means each operable to select from a plurality of indicia a single indicium.

2. Game apparatus according to claim 1 including means releasably interconnecting said playing members to enable movement thereof in unison along said path.

3. Game apparatus according to claim 1 comprising a number of said playing members greater by one than the number of said recipient members.

4. Game apparatus according to claim 1 comprising means designating locations for said recipient members at a generally central location upon said board surrounded by said path, said path being defined as an endless path.

5. Game apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said selecting means comprise a pair of manipulable cubes having said indicia marked thereupon.

6. Game apparatus according to claim 5 wherein the indicia marked on one of said cubes comprises a continuous series of numerical values and wherein the indicia marked on the other of said cubes comprises at least one each of two different discrete indications, said one cube being configured to individually provide one of said series of numerical values and the otherof said cubes being configured to individually provide either one of said two discrete indications.

7. Game apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said playing board comprises a planar base member and a 5 pair of superimposed members affixed thereto, said superimposed members defining therebetween said path for said playing members.

8. Game apparatus according to claim 7 wherein one of said superimposed members comprises a continuous 10 internal edge surrounding the other of said superimposed members, with said other superimposed member comprising a complementary continuous edge radially inwardly spaced from said internal edge of said one superimposed member to define therebetween a continuous track forming said path.

9. Game apparatus according to claim 8 comprising base means for removably holding said playing members, said base means being configured to removably fit within said track between said complementary edges and to be movable therealong.

10. Game apparatus according to claim ll wherein said recipient members are configured to generally simulate a chair.

11. A method for playing a game of musical chairs comprising the steps of:

the extent of said movement being determined by the numerical value of said second indication, said number of playing members being greater by one than the number of said recipient members;

continuing to manipulate both said first and said second indicating means to determine the extent of repeated movement of said playing members in accordance with said second indication so long as said indication is said first discrete signal; ceasing manipulation of said first indicating means and continuing manipulation of said second indicating means alone upon occurrence of said second discrete signal; individually placing said playing members upon said recipient members from said path when a predetermined relative position therebetween has been achieved after occurrence of said second discrete signal; and continuing to manipulate said second indicating means alone to continue to determine movement of playing members remaining in said path until all of said playing members but one have been placed upon said recipient members.

12. A method according to claim 11 wherein after all but one of said playing members are placed upon a recipient member, one recipient member and one playing member are removed from play and said steps commenced anew with all remaining playing members being returned to said path.

13. A method according to claim 12 wherein said steps are continued until only one recipient member and one playing member remain in play.

14. A method according to claim 11 wherein during the playing of said game all of said playing members upon said path are moved therealong in unison. 

1. Game apparatus comprising: a playing board hAving thereon means defining a path and means defining discrete steps within said path; a number of recipient members removably placeable upon said board; a number of playing members greater than the number of said recipient members, said playing members being movable along said path relative to said recipient members; and indicator means manipulable during playing of a game to provide indications by chance in accordance with which said playing members may be moved along said path in the playing of said game, said indicator means including a pair of means each operable to select from a plurality of indicia a single indicium.
 2. Game apparatus according to claim 1 including means releasably interconnecting said playing members to enable movement thereof in unison along said path.
 3. Game apparatus according to claim 1 comprising a number of said playing members greater by one than the number of said recipient members.
 4. Game apparatus according to claim 1 comprising means designating locations for said recipient members at a generally central location upon said board surrounded by said path, said path being defined as an endless path.
 5. Game apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said selecting means comprise a pair of manipulable cubes having said indicia marked thereupon.
 6. Game apparatus according to claim 5 wherein the indicia marked on one of said cubes comprises a continuous series of numerical values and wherein the indicia marked on the other of said cubes comprises at least one each of two different discrete indications, said one cube being configured to individually provide one of said series of numerical values and the other of said cubes being configured to individually provide either one of said two discrete indications.
 7. Game apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said playing board comprises a planar base member and a pair of superimposed members affixed thereto, said superimposed members defining therebetween said path for said playing members.
 8. Game apparatus according to claim 7 wherein one of said superimposed members comprises a continuous internal edge surrounding the other of said superimposed members, with said other superimposed member comprising a complementary continuous edge radially inwardly spaced from said internal edge of said one superimposed member to define therebetween a continuous track forming said path.
 9. Game apparatus according to claim 8 comprising base means for removably holding said playing members, said base means being configured to removably fit within said track between said complementary edges and to be movable therealong.
 10. Game apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said recipient members are configured to generally simulate a chair.
 11. A method for playing a game of musical chairs comprising the steps of: manipulating first and second indicating means for providing by chance, respectively, a first and a second indication, said first indication being either one of a first and a second discrete signal and said second indication being one of a continuous series of numerical values; moving a number of manipulable playing members in alignment along the same path to positions relative, respectively, to a number of recipient members, the extent of said movement being determined by the numerical value of said second indication, said number of playing members being greater by one than the number of said recipient members; continuing to manipulate both said first and said second indicating means to determine the extent of repeated movement of said playing members in accordance with said second indication so long as said indication is said first discrete signal; ceasing manipulation of said first indicating means and continuing manipulation of said second indicating means alone upon occurrence of said second discrete signal; individually placing said playing members upon said recipient members from said path when a predetermined relative position therebetween has been achieved after occurrence of said second discrete signal; and continuing to manipulate said second indicating means alone to continue to determine movement of playing members remaining in said path until all of said playing members but one have been placed upon said recipient members.
 12. A method according to claim 11 wherein after all but one of said playing members are placed upon a recipient member, one recipient member and one playing member are removed from play and said steps commenced anew with all remaining playing members being returned to said path.
 13. A method according to claim 12 wherein said steps are continued until only one recipient member and one playing member remain in play.
 14. A method according to claim 11 wherein during the playing of said game all of said playing members upon said path are moved therealong in unison. 